Although officially neutral in the Clone Wars, the peaceful planet Ithor of the Ottega System has fallen under surveillance by Separatist forces, who keep a watchful eye on the hovering herdship estate of Ambassador Tame Heem.

With Republic troops stretched to the limit, the pacifist Ithorians and visitors to their planet find Ithor to be virtually defenseless. However rumors persist that the Republic is sending a group of Jedi emissaries to meet with Ambassador Tame Heem; who made the fateful decision to join the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

The sight of several occupying Battle Droids marching through the streets of the herdship is a grim reminder that without an army of their own, the Ithorians will always be vulnerable to aggressive forces outside their peaceful system.

To many Ithorians, it is unacceptable for the droid armies to even set foot on the massive herdships above the sacred jungle planet below.

Soon, the emissaries arrive on the planet and are greeted by Ithorian Geraint Tue Towler and Consort Towam Loudain.

"Welcome to Ithor, Master Jedi," Consort Towam Loudain says kindly. "You have no cause to worry; the Battle Droid garrison here has been ordered to allow for your party to travel freely on this herdship."

"Thank you, and greetings from the Republic, Geraint and Consort," Jedi Master Shaak Ti replies as she greets their hosts. "We are grateful for the opportunity to discuss the future relationship between the Galactic Senate and the good people of Ithor."

"This war is proving to be much harder than expected for the Republic," Consort Towan Loudain replies. "There are many who do not wish to support a war that with an uncertain outcome."

"Regardless, Ambassador Heem feels terrible for the debacle on Spahl VII and we all grieve for the Jedi who died that night," Geraint Tue Towler replies. "The Ambassador will see you now. He is waiting for you at his dwelling."

As the group follows Master Shaak Ti to Ambassador Heem's home, an uneasy feeling comes over Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker.

"I sense it too," Anakin says before his Master utters a word.

"Look how empty the plazas are," Obi Wan observes. "These people are afraid. Something is about to happen."

"We're being watched," Obi Wan continues. "I feel a great deal of hostility coming from an unknown source."

"I feel it too, Master. But I'm not sure if it's from the Ithorians," Anakin adds.

Before arriving at their destination, the group is approached by Ambassador Tame Heem and his aid, Pon Gadon, who greets them nervously. Several Federation Security Droids flank the Ithorians.

"Welcome Jedi," Pon says. "Welcome to Ithor, and our home. It is with great regret that we meet under such circumstances. But during desperate times, difficult decisions must be made."

"It is good to see you both. We are grateful to have taken this first step to bring our governments back together as allies," Shaak Ti replies kindly.

"I already know what you have to offer; Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has informed me that the Senate will reinstate my position without reprimand if we bring Ithor back into the Republic," Tame Heem says.

"But I fear for my mother world. Count Dooku has guaranteed that as long as we offer our resources to his cause, no harm will come to out planet or our way of life. He even offers us protection from the Badoo Corba! The Republic never even offered such protection!"

"Truly? You say the Republic never aided you in your time of need... was it not the Republic that saved you from capture by the Trade Federation on Abridon? And were the Badoo Corba not involved with that plot?" Shaak Ti asks while she motions towards one of her escort troopers to step forward.

"Is protection truly your primary concern?"

"Of course, protection," he says. "And Abridon was years ago. It was Rykrof Enloe who was responsible for my rescue and for that I am forever grateful. But now we face a full scale war, and Count Dooku has shown more dedication towards keeping us safe. I see no Republic battleships in this sector. Only those of the Confederacy."

"Perhaps you should speak with him," Obi Wan says to the trooper Shaak Ti had beckoned towards.

"Perhaps a more familiar face will ease the concerns of the good Ambassador."

"Nice pure environment here on Ithor," Rykrof says as he removes his helmet, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air.

"I can see why you want to protect it. Ironic though that you are unwilling to do so yourselves. Instead you expect for someone else to provide your protection."

Shocked to see his friend and feeling embarrassed at the accusations, Tame Heem quickly regains his composure and greets Rykrof, while apologizing for what happened on Spahl VII.

"Because of your actions two Jedi and my entire squad were killed there," Rykrof says as he stares the Ithorian down.

"You did what you thought you had to do at that moment in time,” Rykrof continues. “But a new alliance for your planet with the Republic is the only way you can spare your people from utter destruction in this war."

"If you allow for the Separatists to deploy an unabridged occupation of your planet, the Supreme Chancellor will retaliate with a full scale attack," Rykrof warns. "The consequences for your people will be beyond your comprehension."

"Tame Heem is a fool. We will not make the mistake of trusting the Ithorians again and in time they will pay for their treachery. But more importantly, I would like to inform you that I am placing all of our combined droid armies under the direct control..."

Deanna Rash - I always seem to struggle with the angles so I'm glad you liked how the pics were shot on this one.

IshiTib - Much appreciated, I didn't know if you read photonovels or not. Thank you!

Darth Depressis - I know what you mean and appreciate the honestly. I will usually have the stories center around Rykrof, but a few chapters will also focus on other characters (some main characters from the films, others fan fiction). Thank you!

Robo-Quack - Thank you, and yeah Rykrof's role I thought was well played, as a support character to the mission on this one. There's a history from the earlier stories with him and the Ithorian (Tame Heem) that is why he was even on the mission (as a backup plan in case the negotiations didn't go well).